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Partnership of the Americas Departs Nicaragua

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070821-20
Release Date: 8/21/2007 2:50:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Damien Horvath, Destroyer Squadron 40 Public Affairs

CORINTO, Nicaragua (NNS) -- USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) departed Corinto Aug. 15, after completing theater security cooperation events with the Nicaraguan Navy to finish phase two of Partnership of the Americas (POA) deployment.

Pearl Harbor, a unit of POA 2007 Task Group 40.0, conducted a variety of activities aimed at strengthening bonds, fostering new friendships and improving interoperability with Nicaragua.

While in port, Sailors from Pearl Harbor participated in subject matter expert exchanges including search and rescue swimming, small boat coxswain, and outboard engine repair and maintenance. Also, local citizens, media, and military personnel were given the opportunity to tour the ship, and Sailors worked with local citizens to complete community relations projects and distribute Project Handclasp materials.

"It felt great to interact with our friends of the Nicaraguan Navy," said Engineman 2nd Class Jermie Arnold. "They were very professional and we enjoyed our time working side by side with them."

Pearl Harbor Sailors offloaded Project Handclasp materials for donation to a number of local organizations during a press conference with the U.S. Ambassador to Nicaragua Paul A. Trivelli, civilian and military dignitaries, and local and national media. Project Handclasp receives support from donors around the United States. Contributions include supplies such as medical kits, toys, hygiene products, sewing machines and food items.

In addition to the various outreach projects, Pearl Harbor Sailors were given the opportunity to tour the town and travel to the neighboring city of Leon.

"Nicaragua had a lot to offer as far as liberty for the Sailors," said Cryptologic Technician (Interpretive) 1st Class Luis Salazar. "It seemed like the local citizens were happy to have us and were very welcoming."

For the past several weeks, ships of Task Group 40.0 have been doing a series of theater security cooperation events in Central America and the Caribbean. At the end of August, the Task Group will participate in PANAMAX 2007, a multinational exercise that simulates defending the Panama Canal from attack.

POA Task Group 40.0 consists of dock landing ship Pearl Harbor, guided-missile frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58), guided-missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57), and the staff of Destroyer Squadron 40, commanded by Capt. Randy Snyder. Mitscher and Samuel B. Roberts are currently operating on the Atlantic side of Central America and the Caribbean.

POA 2007 is a U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command deployment focusing on enhancing relations with partner nations through a variety of exercises and events at sea and on shore throughout South America and the Caribbean.